UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor Delta E | ESSA 2
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Feb 28, 1966 at 13:58 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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PADSpace Launch Complex 17B
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITSun-Synchronous Orbit
TYPEEarth Science
MISSION OVERVIEW
The ESSA series was the second generation of US meterological satellites after the TIROS (Television & Infra-Red Observation Satellite) series. They were also called OT (Operational TIROS), TOS (TIROS Operational Satellite).
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Delta EAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
ESSA 2
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
TARGET ORBIT
Sun-Synchronous Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 17BLAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 39556e13-e554-4707-b05e-7bce26fb608d
Reported date: Feb 28, 1966 at 13:58 UTC
Last synced: 3 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Thor Delta E →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
Delta E
FLIGHTS
6
SUCCESSES
6
SUCCESS RATE
100%
American orbital launch vehicle family with Thor first stage and a delta second stage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor Delta E | ESSA 2 launch?
The Thor Delta E | ESSA 2 is scheduled for Monday, February 28, 1966 at 1:58 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for ESSA 2?
The Thor Delta E | ESSA 2 mission uses the Thor Delta E rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor Delta E has flown 6 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Thor Delta E | ESSA 2 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17B at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is ESSA 2 going to?
The ESSA 2 mission is targeting Sun-Synchronous Orbit.
Who is launching ESSA 2?
The Thor Delta E | ESSA 2 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Delta E | ESSA 2 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch date set: Feb 28, 1966 at 13:58 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 3 minutes ago
●Launch Library 23 minutes ago
Launch ID: 39556e13-e554-4707-b05e-7bce26fb608d
●Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
ESSA 2 was a Thor Delta E mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on February 28, 1966. The flight carried its payload on a earth science mission to Sun-Synchronous Orbit. The launch was a success.